In case you are not aware of it, today is World Smile Day. On every first Friday of October since 1999, people from all walks of life celebrate the modest, yet amiable act of smiling.
First initiated by the late Harvey Ball, an American commercial artist and creator of the globally-recognised smiley face icon, people from all four corners of the world come together to participate in cheerful activities.
They include kids’ events, visiting the underprivileged and preparing meals for the homeless and destitute. Even government agencies and corporate entities get into the act of promoting smiles.
The founder had cleverly chosen Friday to celebrate this occasion, when most of us find moving the risorious muscles (the muscles that draw the cheeks) much easier than on a Monday.
The celebration is as unpretentious as it sounds; simply extend a kind, sincere smile to a family member, friends and even strangers on this day.
There is no political mileage to gain, no dubious charitable intentions or commercial motives. If at all, it can arguably bring upon a profusion of spiritual merit, considering that most religious practices advocate the benefits of smiling.
On the medical aspect, smiling, laughing and joy are integral parts of the healing process. This is portrayed by the late funny man, Robin Williams, in the 1998 Hollywood flick Patch Adams.
It is universally believed that smiling relaxes the body, relieves stress, boosts immunity, burns calories and helps to reduce blood pressure.
If those are not good enough, research has also shown that smiling can prolong your life.
Yet, despite all its known benefits, I often find myself asking: “Why is it so difficult to smile when facing another person?”
Be it when passing an office colleague, riding together in the lift or attending to a customer behind the counter, the humble act of smiling seems to be extinct like the dodo.
Smiling people are so few, like the Little Blue Macaws in the Rio cartoons, which in the real world is an endangered species.
As most ministries, government departments and agencies are housed in Putrajaya, it is only right for the government to ride on this occasion, or possibly roll out a similar programme to set an example for citizens to smile more.
While the days of dealing with unfriendly civil servants are over, there is still admittedly more that we can do to create a warmer and friendlier government.
There are occasions when our smiles go unreciprocated or countered with a scowl, especially by frontline staff.
Even outspoken Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has gotten into the act at the start of his term as the nation’s leader.
He had reminded his administrative staff to be courteous to those who pay their salaries and “smile even if you are wearing false teeth”, because this is what the public expects from government employees.
When it comes to children, teaching them to smile at school can promote a safe and harmonious environment to study.
Last month, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob revealed that although the dropout rate among Orang Asli schoolchildren had reduced to 17.9 per cent from 20 per cent last year, it was still difficult to keep the rate down.
The minister cited cultural shock and not being able to communicate with “outside people” as the main reasons for indigenous children dropping out of school.
Reflecting on my experience, I remember the moment when I went to a new school after my family relocated to Peninsular Malaysia.
There was a lack of welcoming smiles from my new classmates.
I remember getting cold stares, with many unrecognisable faces scrutinising every inch of my face. The hostile reception was overwhelming.
Although I survived the remaining years of my secondary education, until today, I am still much affected by how unwelcoming people can be.
On the tourism front, following the recent meeting of the Tourism Cabinet Committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and attended by Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, the government is stepping up efforts to develop strategic measures to spur Malaysia’s tourism sector.
They include penetrating new markets in China, India and the Middle East.
With an eye on the target of welcoming 36 million visitors bringing along an estimated revenue of RM168 billion by 2020, the Tourism and Culture Ministry can definitely do more by encouraging people to smile.
Better work out that facial muscles, as a smile will go a long way in keeping society sane in today’s crazy world.
With more than 15 years in journalism and a Masters in counselling psychology, Azura Abas is always drawn to the mystery of the human mind and behaviour